Question:
Eating more than ever now that I've decided on surgery!

Finally made the decision for RNY but won't have it until June. Now it seems like I'm eating more than ever and know I have to get back to my "information meeting" weight as per my dr's requirements. Anybody had this problem?    — JoyMac (posted on January 21, 2010)


January 20, 2010
I haven't even had my consult with the surgeon yet or a surgery date, but once I decided I was going through with the lap banding I haven't been able to get enough food in my mouth. As if I wasn't constantly hungry before! I know there are psychological reasons (for me anyway) kind of like the "Last Supper" mentality. "I won't be able to eat like this later, so I better enjoy now..." I am looking forward to some advice on this also. Best of luck to you! Sorry I can't help, but you're totally not alone!!
   — bacon1975

January 21, 2010
Most definitely not alone. I did the same thing. I was like a mad woman. I went yesterday for my H&P visit for the banding and we stopped at Burger King for lunch. I jokingly said I feel like this is my last meal. Little did I know the pre op diet would start today! Its psychological...eat it now cause ya ain't gonna get it later.
   — kchooker

January 21, 2010
I hear all of you. Just starting this process myself. I had my consult 1/6 and have other necessary appts scheduled and have gained weight since I decided this is what I want to do. Suppose it might be a mind thing but can't seem to stop.
   — Cindya19

January 21, 2010
I am going through the same thing. I feel as though I am trying to get my last "hoorah". Lately, I've been craving sugary, fastfood, starchy foods that I know that I will have to give up when I have the surgery.
   — md131s

January 21, 2010
You do have that urge but you need to slow down and realize that this is a life change and you can't do that. They will postpone your surgery if you gain weight and that is the last stress you need before surgery. I know it is hard I am 1 week out from having RNY and have been on no carbs for 1 1/2 weeks now. It makes it more difficult if you don't come to terms with your life change and feel the need to eat. Your counselor should be able to help with that.. Good luck
   — ladyrdhk

January 21, 2010
I gained 20 pounds in the 1.5 yrs while I waited to get final approval for surgery. Kept having last suppers. I am two months post-op and have lost 35 pounds. While in the middle of it, it seems like the weight loss is slow -- and to boot I'm actually only 15 pounds lighter than when I applied for the surgery. Here's the thing, last supper's really aren't necessary. The surgery works and I don't miss those foods at all. And eventually we can eat little bites of most anything. So I strongly recommend not doing what I did. Hopefully, you won't have as long a wait allowing you to gain as much weight as I did. God bless.
   — Janell C.

January 21, 2010
Oh, man... do I hear this one loud & clear. And the guilt! My RNY surgery is two weeks from Tuesday. I've been going to support group meetings faithfully, reading books & online material carefully, doing everything by the book and planning on a successful experience on the "loser's bench," but I'm really wrestling with the "last supper" syndrome. I'm trying (trying!) not to beat myself up too much over it. I've lost 40 pounds since I began this process, and the way I did it was to comit myself to "whatever it takes," meaning I have had to get back on the wagon when I fell off. It's been really hard to pick myself back up when I've fallen into overeating again, but I've been able to do it over the past year, much to my surprise, so I'm trying to see the past few weeks as one of my episodes that I'll get over. My two-week pre-op liquid diet starts Tuesday, and it's a good thing!! LOL.
   — Greg K.

January 21, 2010
To make the progression A LOT Easier on yourself. You might start the Post-op lifestyle now. And gradually cut back on your portions. Especially the carbs/sugars. Such as sodas. Thus reducing the Sugar withdrawals.
   — Michael Eak

January 22, 2010
Hi... Alot of people do what you are doing and its totally emotional.... in your mind you are thinking "holy cow... I'll never eat again" I'm here to tell you its not true... you will be able to eat everything you want just in moderation. I took the opposite approach. I gave up my chocolate... (my drug of choice" at the beginning of august, started my liquid pre-op the week after and surgery on the 21st. I didnt want to deal with the withdrawals. Also the caffeine and carbonated stuff... don't do that to yourself.... dont tack on another 10 pounds because you think you'll never get to eat. it just isn't true. take a step back and think about it... the key is to relearn habits. I did not die from no chocolate.. trust me you will be happier with yourself if you start to taper down. there will be things that you wont be able to eat but to be brutally honest... you wont care. once you see your success you will understand. I am 5 months out and 86 pounds down. My suggestion is make the decision that you are going to change your life NOW.... obviously if you are wanting something so bad, have it now... but dont gorge yourself just to do it. it wont be so hard on you later. just a thought.... good luck
   — MarthaJ0110

January 22, 2010
OMG!! I did the same thing! While I was on my insurance required "doctor supervised" six month diet I gained 30 pounds!! Not one single time did my surgeons office say...'your not doing something right' or 'why are you gaining on this diet'...I got fed up with that place. I know I was out of control but they were supposed to be watching me!! I changed surgeons when I realized that I was just merely a number where I was and I lost 20 pounds pre-op on the two week diet and I lost 70 pounds post op in 2 1/2 months and I am still losing. I didn't give up a thing until I had no choice and I think it worked for me. I wouldn't touch even a diet soda even if my surgeon says it's okay. I willNOT do anything to mess this up and I'm sure you will eventually feel the same way. Good Luck to you tho-I hope whatever you decide works for you. Only you knows what is inside your head.
   — texasred

January 22, 2010
It's referred to as "last supper syndrome". It's hard, but try to eat like you normally have or better, otherwise you jeopardize the surgery. Also, think about why you are doing that? Deep down, is the weight a "protection" or buffer and you fear losing that? That's my problem. But, there's nothing to fear. Remember why you want to do this. Also, losing weight before helps make the liver smaller and makes surgery go a lot smoother. Hang in there. Maybe pick one day a week you can go crazy. Good luck!
   — Melissa C.

January 22, 2010
Thank you all for your posts! Your words of encouragement and suggestions are just what I needed and today I begin to focus on what I need to do. Deciding to get the RNY has been a huge decision and I don't want to jeopardize it. Thanks again!
   — JoyMac

January 22, 2010
I think everyone goes through this at some level before surgery. I believe it has to do with the thinking of either "I'll never be able to have this again" or "the surgery will fix it no matter what I eat now", either way, those are both incorrect! You will still be able to have most things you eat now, just smaller portions, and the surgery is definitely just a tool to help you, not the magic fix though, you still will have to have that discipline so might as well start now by realizing "am I REALLY still hungry in my belly, or just like the food too much to stop eating?" These issues will help you to get ready for surgery if you really start working on listening to your emotions and your body.
   — eyeflirt4fun

January 30, 2010
If you want REAL SUCCESS start changing your habits before deciding. By the time my hubby had surgery he had gained enough control that he had a hard time getting in all the pre surgical diet. Now he is not having any post surgical problems other than constipation and that may be due to iron pills which were stopped yesterday and that he is afraid to get too much fiber. Surgery is not a FIX it is a LIFESTYLE CHANGE and if you start early on the change you will have better success after.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 2, 2010
i am SOOO happy to hear this! i have gained 8 pounds in the last month. just jumped my last hoop today so some of the stress is off. but i do know that once i have the surgery, i will be in control, if that is believable....nice to know others feel the same.
   — Lynda M.




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